Element Island
3:12pm
Miranda sat with Sonia and Aria in the dining hall. They had just come from the medical ward where Miranda had her rehabilitation twice a day. Though she had only moved a grand total of a dozen feet, she felt like she had run a marathon, and had an appetite to match. The two older women watched as the girl consumed enough food for three people.
"Jeez, where do you put it all?" said Aria, lifting Miranda's shirt to look at her belly. She quickly pushed her shirt down.
"Don't do that here," said Miranda quietly, glancing around to see if anyone was watching. Everyone appeared to be preoccupied but her sharp hearing betrayed them all. She and Aria were the center of attention... again.
"Oh come on," said the cheerful woman, not bothering to keep her voice down. "Don't be embarrassed, I'm your doctor. I've seen it all." Sonia just put a hand to her forehead with a sigh. Suddenly an alarm sounded throughout the room, causing Sonia to jump to her feet. Guardians everywhere were doing the same, some with pieces of food and spoons sticking out of their mouths.
"What's going on?" said Miranda quickly, looking around. Her ears hurt from the loud noise. Sonia however just shook her head and put a finger to her lips.
"Attention all Guardians, attention all Guardians," came a loud voice that filled the room. Miranda recognized it as Commander Meres. "This is an emergency. All Guardian ranked personnel are to report to the hanger ready for full combat in fifteen minutes. This is not a drill. Get moving!" At once, the majority of people eating their meals left the room, the remaining ones standing there looking around in confusion and concern. What was going on?
"Sonia!" Ember came into the dining hall at a jog. She was wearing a Guardian uniform that Miranda had never seen before. It looked somewhat like armor.
"Ember, what's going on?" asked Sonia as Ember reached them. Aria remained sitting, watching silently.
"We just got a call for reinforcements from Rota. The Royal Guardians have begun their attack in force." Sonia cursed. "You're bodyguard job's been put on hold for now. Get ready and head to the hanger."
"Yes Ma'am!" said Sonia with a salute. She ran out of the room. Ember turned to Miranda.
"I'm sorry Miranda but I need you to stay in the mansion while we are gone," she said, looking around at the few remaining people in the hall. Even a number of the cooks had left to get ready for the battle.
"You said the Royal Guardians are attacking? That's not the Hunters, who are they?"
"I don't have time to explain," said Ember. She put a hand on Miranda's shoulder. "Just do me a favor and do as I say? Ash would have my head if I let anything else happen to you while he was gone." Miranda said nothing. She did not like being left in the dark, but it looked as if this were truly a bad situation. As Ember made to leave though, Miranda impulsively grabbed her hand.
"Wait, take me with you!" she said. Ember nearly fell over.
"Are you serious? You're in a wheelchair!" she said impatiently. Miranda flinched but held her ground.
"This is a really bad situation right?" she asked, redoubling her grip on Ember's hand. Ember looked down at it before nodding. "And you need all the help you can get, am I right?"
"Well yeah, but you're-"
"Do you honestly something as minor as being able to walk would effect how I battle?"
"You never know-"
"Ember," said Miranda, stopping the girl short. "I'm strong. Let me help, alright?" Ember just sighed raggedly. This was an awful idea.
"Alright, alright, you can come," she said, closing her eyes. "Just, get your Pokemon and get to the hanger asap. Aria, you're coming too."
"Roger!" she said, backing Miranda up from the table. "Come on Miranda let's get ready fast!" They zoomed off. Ember just stood there, the look in Miranda's eyes still clear in front of her own. She put her head in her hands.
"Dad and Ash are going to kill me."
XxxxX
3:30pm
Gabriel Meres paced back and forth slightly in front of the assembled Guardians. They were about to load into the largest and fastest airship the Element Division had. The hanger was underground behind the mansion, so it was fairly well concealed. With a retractable roof, they could lift out vertically and be on their way. The crew of the airship was already getting the ship ready though so he wasn't thinking about that at the moment. What was causing him to pace had just arrived in a wheelchair, pushed by his chief of the medical department.
"Aria," he said after a moment. "What are you doing here?"
"Reporting for duty, Sir," she beamed. Miranda glanced back at her nervously and tried to shrink into the wheelchair as much as she could.
"...Of course," said the Commander. "I'll be counting on you." Ember finally entered the hanger, harrying stragglers.
"All Guardians reporting for duty, S-Sir," she said, faltering as her father looked at her sharply. "Uh, plus one extra..." Ah crap, he's mad. But he just turned back to the Guardians.
"Rota is under attack by a group know as the Royal Guardians," he said, his voice carrying throughout the large room. "Reinforcements have been requested from every region as well as us on Element Island. Though it will take us a few hours to get there when we do we will be jumping directly into the fray. Further instruction will be given during the trip. Move out!"
As the large group of Guardians filed into the airship, Gabriel looked at his daughter then at Miranda.
"I saw you fight during the earlier battle so I don't question your ability, however I will not be responsible if anything happens to you."
"That's alright," said Miranda. "Please let me come."
"Let's be off then, we have no time to lose."
XxxxX
Rota
6:02pm
General Grannis stood atop a building, surveying the square below him. The battle, which had now been going on for almost three hours was not progressing in their favor. What had originally started as a battle at the edge of the town was now half way to the castle. Though the RG lost greatly in terms of numbers, they had a very high percentage of powerful Aura Guardians in their ranks. What prevented them from being flooded was due to the group of non Aura Guardians that were with them. Grannis didn't know where they came from, but Cain Bernhardt had secured a powerful ally. The immediate thought he first had was Team Rocket. They were a strong and well funded group based in Kanto, but he dismissed the thought at once. As large as the group might be, they never went anywhere without their dreadfully obvious uniforms. One thing was certain however. This group had the size and resources of a regional criminal organization.
There was a large explosion off to the east. He could see a few buildings on fire.
"Che- they certainly have the the mindset of criminals, that's certain," he muttered to himself. He switched on his mic. "This is Grannis. I need two squads to the eastern section of the town to contain the fire. Stop it before it destroys more buildings!"
"General, what is our status?" came Queen Ilene's voice in his ear.
"Your Majesty, the battle is currently at a standstill but we are steadily losing ground," he said, looking below. "The main battle is happening in the center square however there are groups of RG throughout the town causing chaos. " Grannis ducked an Ice Beam aimed at his head and began running along the edge of the roof. Attacks continued to shoot at him. "We've already received a number of reinforcements from Kanto but the RG continue to reinforce as well. They are pushing very hard with everything they have. Cain Bernhardt must know that time is his enemy in this battle. On top of that I have no idea where our Johto reinforcements are. They should have been here over an hour ago." The line of Guardians and their Pokemon were slowly retreating to the northern end of the square, still protecting the main road to the castle from being used.
"This is annoying," came Ilene's voice. She sounded frustrated.
"What's going on?"
"We still haven't been able to determine who the group of mercenaries is," said Ilene. She was at a computer, moving through a large list of faces that were being matched up with video surveillance taken from the town. "All I can tell is that there's a lot of them. Cain must be paying a fortune for all of them together."
"I wasn't aware the RG was so well funded," said Grannis.
"The Royal Guardians come from old money," said Ilene. "They're no different from us in that respect." Grannis watched as an armored vehicle joined the rear of the RG front. Three people got out, dressed differently from the others in the square. He could feel their aura from the roof. Looking around the square he figured he was the only person who could see them simply because of his vantage point. About to radio it in he stopped. Three Dragonite and three Garchomp appeared next to them, taking positions in a line. They started to glow orange...
"All units in the center square fall back! Get out of the square!" he shouted. He ran across the roof as fast as he could as six large bullets shot into the sky, splitting numerous times before beginning to fall. Six Draco Meteor attacks at once. He could feel the ground shake as the meteors fell. Diving to the side, one meteor plowed a hole straight down into the roof, crushing the floors below. He could hear his men and their Pokemon who couldn't escape in time scream in pain as they hit.
"Grannis, jump!"
Not knowing exactly what would happen he jumped off the end of the roof as far as he could. Something grabbed his shoulders and he didn't fall. Looking behind him he could see many of the building around the square, including the one he had just been on, collapse in heaps. He hoped that no one was in them. Looking up all he saw was tan colored feathers.
"Nice catch Pidgeot," said a woman's voice. Though he couldn't see her, Grannis recognized it instantly.
"Annette, nice of you to come join me," he said. The woman cleared her throat.
"That's General Hale to you, Kevin Grannis," said the voice. Grannis grinned. He knew she would be doing the same. The Pidgeot let go of him when he was a few feet from the ground and landed as well. They were now much closer to the castle. General Hale jumped down from her Pokemon and recalled it. "Thanks Pidgeot, take a break, you'll need it. Sorry I'm late," she added to Grannis who shrugged.
"Better late than never," he said. "Where were you?"
"Sorry, we moved as fast as we could. How are you holding out?"
"Not well," said Grannis. "Your arrival couldn't have been more needed." He tossed her an earpiece identical to the one he gave the queen which she put in her ear at once.
"Your Majesty, this is General Hale," she said. "Johto's Aura Guardians are here to lend support."
"Thank god, Annette," said Ilene with relief. "I'm so glad you're finally here. Assist General Grannis in any way you can."
"Yes Ma'am!" As she said this an airship made its way into view in the western sky, approaching fast. It was followed by two smaller ones. Hale tossed a walkie talkie to Grannis who caught it looking confused. "I don't know the situation. While my Guardians are still in their ships tell them where to deploy, it'll make things easier."
"Right," said Grannis. "Johto force this is General Grannis, come in."
"This is the Falcon, General Grannis, we have you loud and clear. What are your orders?"
"Deploy the main ship's troops on the road leading off of the south bridge," he said quickly. "I want the main road reinforced. Have the other two ships deploy over the eastern and western sides of town. Contain the RG presence in those areas and push them south. Do everything you can to prevent them from reaching the castle!"
"Yes Sir. Orders received."
"What's the situation?" asked Hale, taking the radio back. They begin moving south toward the raging battle.
"Though The RG seem to be focusing there strongest forces in the center a lot of the merc group is causing damage everywhere. They're trying to get us to divert our attention from the castle defense." Hale frowned. "Unfortunately we can't contain all of them the way we want to. You're troops will help suppress that but it won't fix it."
"So what's the plan right now?" asked Hale. Grannis grabbed a pokeball from his belt, and Hale copied him.
"Isn't it obvious? We show these guys why we're called Generals!"
XxxxX
6:50pm
Cain sat in a folding chair that that was placed outside the limo and listened to reports as they came in. The Guardians had just gotten a fresh wave of reinforcements, most likely from Johto. That would mean that two of the Cardinal Generals were now in Rota: the East General, Grannis, and the West General, Hale. They were certainly formidable opponents and would not go down easily, however they were just two people after all, and two people would not be able to turn the tide of a war. And though is was on a distinctly smaller scale than any other conflict in history, this was a war. A war he would win. He picked up the headset on his lap and settled it over his ears.
"This is Cain. We will now move into the next phase of the attack," he said calmly. "The center wave will retreat slightly, in order to pull the Guardians forward. Once they take the bait flank them from the east and west. This will allow us to push through to the bridge. Additionally, Aerial Team begin your bombardment of the bridge. I need it clear, or at least somewhat clear before I will be able to take the Princess into the castle. Begin immediately. We must have broken through the bridge defense before any more reinforcements arrive for our enemies, else this will become more difficult still." Taking off the headset, Cain stood up and walked over to the limo door. He knocked twice then opened it.
"What is it Cain?" asked Cynthia. She was looking out of her window at the smoke rising into the sky in the distance, an empty wine glass in her hand. The picture of elegance.
"Cynthia, it is nearly time for us to make our way to the castle. I need you to come with me to prepare," he said, holding out his hand. She took it immediately.
"Right, lead the way."
As they left the limo Cain looked at one of the guards. "You know what to do," he said to the burly man. He bowed.
"Yes, Mr. Bernhardt." Cain just smiled.
XxxxX
6:55pm
"They're pulling back!" shouted one of the Guardians jubilantly. Those around him gave an energetic roar and pushed forwards, their Pokemon launching attacks with renewed vigor.
"Stay in formation!" shouted Hale a split second before Grannis did. She grinned at him and continued, "Don't get overconfident! Keep to your lines and move forward steadily. Though I'll admit," she added to Grannis, speaking so that only he could hear her, "out men could certainly use this break." She and Grannis had only gotten the chance to battle a few opponents so far, the boost from the Johto troops giving the group added strength. While the Kanto group was more mixed in offensive and defensive Pokemon, the Johto groups were distinctly more on the offensive. It was a welcome addition, and it looked like it was having some effect. Smiling, something flashed in the corner of his eye and he dove to the side, knocking Hale out of the way. A hyperbeam scorched the air where they had been standing moments before, burying itself into the building across the street, causing the roof to collapse.
"AMBUSH! We've been flanked!" shouted Grannis as RG flooded the street from the east and west. Now they were surrounded on three sides. The confident Guardians were suddenly panicking and trapped.
"Keep to your formation! Tighten your ranks!" shouted Hale, scrambling to her feet and throwing out two of her Pokemon, a Typhlosion and a Nidoqueen. Grannis copied her, throwing out two Pokemon of his own, a Blastoise and a Nidoking. They were back to back surrounded by enemies.
"Well, this is a bit of a mess isn't it?" said Grannis.
"Back to back, surrounded by enemies. Death stares us in the eyes. Are you finally going to confess your love for me?" said Hale with a grin. Grannis just rolled his eyes.
"Please keep your fantasies to yourself."
"You're no fun at all."
"How about we show these RG what is means to face two of the Cardinal Generals."
"Grannis of the East!"
"Hale of the West!"
"We stand ready!" Their Pokemon roared their approval at their trainer's spirit.
"Nidoqueen, Earthquake!" shouted Hale. The Pokemon slammed the ground causing everything to shake. A number of the RG fell over. Pieces of the buildings on either side of the road crumbled and fell into the street, scattering people and Pokemon alike. "Now Typhlosion, Fire Spin!" Typhlosion shot a tornado of flame covering half of the street.
"This won't stop us!" came a shout from behind the wall of flame. "Rhydon, Drill Run!" A rapidly spinning Pokemon burst through the flames aiming straight for Hale.
"Blastoise!" shouted Grannis, grabbing Hale and pulling her aside. Blastoise shot a massive burst of water, rocketing the Rhydon straight into a building. "Nidoking, Mega Punch!" Nidoking quickly waded into his opponents with a haughty grin, knocking them aside left and right.
"Get in there Typhlosion! Nidoqueen on the defensive!" The two Pokemon moved into the other half of the group, Typhlosion swinging around wildly and spitting fire while Nidoqueen covered his back from anything too serious, deflecting incoming attacks.
"How long do you plan on holding on to me?" asked Hale, eyebrows raised. Grannis dropped her.
"When are you going to stop purposely getting in the way of attacks to force me to save you?"
"Ouch," she said, though she grinned slightly. "Looks like there are people slipping past us and moving to the castle."
"Don't worry about that," said Grannis, knocking over an enemy with a punch while his Pokemon continued to waste everything in front of him. "We need to make sure that a large wave doesn't get through here. A handful of guys won't make it past the bridge defense.
"They're not alone!" said Hale, pointing up to the sky. A large number of flying Pokemon were flashing above them in the air. They were heading straight for the bridge.
"Crap! This is General Grannis," he said loudly as he dodged another attack. "There is a large number of aerial enemies heading for the bridge! Repel them!" A large force suddenly hit his back, blasting him forward several feet and landing in a heap.
"Kevin!" shouted Hale. "Typhlosion! Flamethrower!" While her Pokemon created another wall of flame to hold their opponents back she quickly ran over to Grannis, who was groaning. His armor had protected his skin from being damaged but he still looked like he had been knocked over with a beam of steel. "Kevin are you alright?"
"It always amazes me how Pokemon can take hits like that and then get up," he said through gritted teeth, pushing himself to his feet. "Nidoking return!" He recalled his tired Pokemon and chose another. "Electivire! Help hold them back!" His Pokemon materialized releasing bolts of lightning. Many of the RG retreated slightly, allowing the Guardians to surge forward.
"There's no end to this," said Hale, still holding onto Grannis. She was afraid that he would fall over if she let go.
"Annette, I'm fine," said Grannis. "I'm most worried about the bridge. I need you to take Pidgeot and assist in any way you can. We can't let them get into the castle!" Hale hesitated. She didn't want to leave him here but she knew he was right.
"Alright, I'll leave you Typhlosion and Nidoqueen. Just keep in touch," she said, tapping her ear. She called out her Pidgeot and hopped up, flying off to the bridge like a bullet. More RG continued to push their lines. Cain Bernhardt truly had a force of powerful trainers to be able to cause them this much of a problem. Wincing slightly from his injury, Grannis gave a yell and charged back into the fray.
XxxxX
7:12pm
"What's the status of the bridge?"
"Your Majesty, a group of aerial units has completely swarmed the Guardians on the bridge. Though General Hale is there we are still losing control."
"I don't understand, how can the Royal Guardians have such strength? They're a bunch or renegades!"
"Renegades they may be but they certainly have shown that they can be tenacious. Of course, without the aid of the mercs we would have completely crushed them already."
"You really think that? The mercenaries are barely more than bodies to the RG. They don't coordinate well like the RG troops and are more interested in destroying the town than attacking the castle. We're lucky that they haven't set their eyes on us yet."
"Don't talk such nonsense, mercenaries and the RG are barely holding on. They may have superior coordination to us, but we still have yet to receive aid from Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Element. They were vastly outmatched to begin with."
"Perhaps you should stop talking about what may be and start looking at what is really happening here. We are losing!"
"Silence!" Ilene snapped. Everyone in the war room stopped talking at once. "It is not a matter of their strength but of our weakness. We were thoroughly unprepared to deal with any sort of a battle. The last time the Guardians actually had a battle of any organized manner was hundreds and hundreds of years ago. Though we explored other options that wouldn't lead to this, Cain Bernhardt wanted it. The fact remains that at present we are not the dominant power in this conflict. Now stop complaining and get back to work!" Ilene left the war room in a huff, slamming the door behind her. She paused for a moment and placed her ear on the door.
"Ahh, she looked really mad."
"When was the last time she shouted at us? That was scary."
"God every time I think about how grown up she is it brings a tear to my eye."
"She's just worried about everyone fighting out there."
"Yeah well let's not forget who we're fighting for."
"Right."
Ilene grinned broadly. While normally that may not have worked like it just did, each and every one of the people in that room had either changed her diapers or walked with her through town or read stories to her while she sat on their knees. They knew what was important, though sometimes they just needed a sharp kick in the ass. The castle shook violently in time with a loud explosion. It sounded like it came from the front.
"What happened?" she said quickly into her mic.
"I'm sorry Your Majesty," came Hale's voice. She sounded extremely tired. "It looks like Cain is finally making his big push for the castle. The squad of dragons just blew a straight line through our defenses on the bridge and made a hole in the front of the castle. The RG are almost across the bridge now. I'll do what I can to hold them off but it wont last at all."
"Hang in there, you'll have backup in a moment!" said Ilene, now running to the front entrance. After a minute she came to the throne room. There were three squads of Guardians there, waiting patiently. Ilene felt her heart sink greatly. Was this all they had left? But there was no time to regret anything.
"Your Majesty!" said one of the Captains, noticing her. Everyone looked around in surprise. As she walked over, the Captain moved close to her, speaking softly. "Your Majesty you shouldn't be here it isn't safe at all."
"I'm done being a voice at the other end of a headset," said Ilene fiercely. "It's time to move." The Captain just blinked, slightly bemused at the sudden change in character the Queen was showing.
"Ah, yes Ma'am!" Ilene moved to the front of the group.
"All squads follow me! We will reinforce General Hale at the entrance! Show me your resolve!"
XxxxX
7:20pm
Hale fell to the ground, her vision blurred. Her Pidgeot, Arcanine, and Alakazam were all unconscious, lying around her in defeat. Struggling back to her feet, she watched a wall of approaching RG, including the dragon group get closer and closer. There were dozens of unconscious Guardians and RG in front of her. She had repelled three waves of enemies but could hold out no longer. A Lucario's Aura Sphere shot from the group and landed directly on her shoulder, knocking her back onto the ground.
'I can't move.'
The group parted slightly to give two of the dragons a clear shot. They charged hyperbeams.
'Is this really it?'
There was a flash of light. Hale closed her eyes, bracing for the impact...! But it never came.
"Oh my, Annette, you poor thing," came a voice from out of her vision.
"Queen Ilene," said Hale softly. Small hands turned her onto her back, allowing her to look up into her savior's eyes. Ilene just looked down at her.
"Don't worry, I'll fix you up so you can move," she said. To the others around her she said fiercely, "Don't let their strength scare you! Work together to take the dragons down!" An Aggron moved directly in front of them, protecting them from the line of fire.
"Your Majesty, why are you out here, it's too dangerous," said Hale, trying to get up. It was no use, there was no strength left in her body.
"Would you stop that already?" said Ilene, pushing the woman completely to the ground. "Just hold still for a second." Ilene closed her eyes holding her hands over Hale's chest. Her chest began to feel warm, like she was under a beam of bright sunlight. It was easier to breathe. Ilene moved her hands over various parts of Hale's body, causing the aches to vanish, still her eyes closed all the while. Finally she put her hands on Hale's head. Her mind became less muddled and her vision cleared almost at once. Then it was over. Hale sat up immediately.
"Wow," she said, looking at her body. "What did you do?"
"You've never been healed by an auric medic before?" asked Ilene, surprised. Hale just shook her head. "Well then you should know I didn't actually heal you. You're still badly injured."
"Really? I feel like you healed me though," said Hale, getting to her feet. "I couldn't even see straight a few seconds ago." Ilene lightly slapped Hale's shoulder causing her to yelp in pain.
"See?"
"Well, if you didn't heal me what did you do?" Hale asked, recalling her Pokemon. They moved to the back of the group where it was safer. The Aggron moved from a defensive position to all out attack. "Aura isn't magic or anything. I just resupplied some vigor and supported natural healing," said Ilene. She bent next to a kneeling Guardian and put her hands on his back. His expression of pain turned into one of relief.
"Thanks, Your Majesty," he said, hurrying back forward to fill the gaps in the line. They were holding well, despite the situation.
"In all honesty, it's more like doping than anything," she continued, moving from injured Guardian to Guardian, helping ease their pain. "I really shouldn't be doing this but what choice do we have. I'll continue to support you all with everything I have! We'll hold out until the rest of our forces arrive!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" shouted the Guardians.
XxxxX
8:14pm
"Commander Meres, we've arrived. Thirty seconds until we're directly over the town. Where should we deploy?"
"Hover her right up against the side of the bridge, we'll deploy directly on it."
"Yes Sir."
Gabriel mad his way to the back of the ship where his Guardians had all piled in hours before. They all sat there waiting, but ready for action. He moved to the middle of the group and raised his hand. Everyone watched him closely.
"We're deploying directly on the bridge leading to the castle. I don't need reports to tell me that the castle and town have likely both been overrun with RG. Everyone to the left of my hand will move into the town, reinforcing the main road and spreading out slowly in a fan. Everyone to my right will proceed directly into the castle. I'm not sure how we'll find it but don't stop moving until you find something. If it's one of our own, protect him. If not, take him out." The airship was slowing its decent. They were almost ready.
"Miranda," continued Gabriel to the girl sitting in the wheelchair. She had been directly in front of him.
"Yes uh Commander?"
"You go with the group to secure the town. I gather you're more suited to open areas when battling, so feel free to go wild." Miranda grinned and nodded. The ship suddenly came to a stop.
"Ready to deploy, Commander."
"Open the doors!" he shouted. One of the ships crew at the back of the room operated the console and the large doors lowered outwards like ramps. They came to rest on the edge of the bridge; a perfect landing.
"I'll be sure to give the pilot some candy. Move out!" he shouted, jumping down on the bridge. As his troops filed out and split up he called out to Ember. "Ember, you're with me!"
"I can handle myself, Commander," she said, feeling agitated. Was he really going to keep her with him for her safety?
"I don't doubt that girl, I need your abilities," he said patiently. Ember blinked.
"Oh, sorry," she said feeling slightly guilty she had snapped at him.
"Don't worry about it, we need to move," he repeated. The airship lifted back up and moved off. Gabriel and Ember ran after the Guardians now rushing to the castle. It was clearly damaged in various places, though the most obvious was the destroyed entrance. "We need to find the Queen and make sure she is safe."
"Right, let's hurry."
XxxxX
8:17pm
Miranda made her way down the street which was littered with debris. Flareon, Jolteon, and Umbreon all stood guard around her while Espeon used Psychic to clear a decent path so she could make her way around. The Element Guardians were already well past her, and had fanned out into the town. Aria stuck close to her as well, keeping an eye on their surroundings and one hand near her pokeballs, just in case.
"Someone's ahead of us," said Miranda, pointing down the road. "He looks injured." She could see a man leaning in a doorway, his mouth moving rapidly as though he were speaking to someone, but there was no one else there. As they got closer the man spotted them, though what he could have possibly been thinking when he saw a girl in a wheelchair strolling through a battlefield was anyone's guess.
"Are you alright?" called Aria to the man. Miranda looked at her.
"What if he's the enemy?" she pointed out.
"Oh dear you're right," she said. "Are you with the Queen or the Royal Guardians?" she called out. Miranda just sighed. There was just no hope with this woman. Apparently however he wasn't an enemy, as he walked over to them with his arms out.
"I serve the Queen," he said. "I'm General Grannis. Are you Guardians from Sinnoh?"
"No we're from Element," said Aria, looking him up and down carefully. "Hold still." She moved around his back and placed her hands lightly on either side of his head. Grannis's eyes widened after a moment.
"You're a Healer? Thank you," he said while Aria worked on him. "This area was pretty active up until recently but there's barely fighting going on in the main streets now. The RG are spread out throughout the town and still fighting in small groups, though a large group of them have infiltrated the castle. General Hale was trying to hold them off but..." he broke off. Clearly the battle had not gone as they had hoped.
"Well it should be alright now," said Miranda. She could hear the smallest humming but she couldn't tell where it was coming from. "Commander Meres took half of the Guardians and went into the castle to support. I'm sure the Queen will be safe."
"I hope so," said Grannis. Aria had finished and walked back beside Miranda. He nodded his thanks to her. "If the reinforcements from Element just arrived then the ones from Sinnoh should be here quite shortly as well. They are about the same distance."
"Something's coming," said Miranda, pointing down the road. The humming was much louder now. She could make out a number of bulky vehicles as well as two sleek shorter ones. "Cars?" Grannis cursed.
"More reinforcements?" he groaned. "Where is Bernhardt getting them all? Was the RG really always this big?"
"Don't worry, I can handle them," said Miranda, wheeling herself forward.
"Just be careful," said Aria. She pulled at Grannis. "Just because I made you feel better doesn't mean you actually are," she said when he protested. "You're lucky to be alive, the condition you're in." Grannis growled but stopped resisting. In the last hours many of his comrades hadn't been as lucky as he had. It would be a long time before he would be able to forget this day.
"Alright I won't do anything but you can't honestly expect me to believe that a girl in a wheelchair can stop a convoy of RG," he said thickly.
"She's special," said Aria with a smile. She looked at the group of vehicles. "But why are there two limos at the head of the group. It's quite odd."
"Espeon, turn the wheels, make them crash!" shouted Miranda, pointing at the limos. While the other vehicles seemed to be slowing down, the limos maintained their high speed. Espeon glowed purple briefly and suddenly both limos jerked sharply sideways, taking them into opposite buildings on the sides of the street. At once both buildings were completely engulfed in fire. The explosions were so large that the force easily pushed Miranda backwards, causing the chair to topple over. Aria and Grannis were also pushed back off of their feet, landing in a heap.
"Are you alright?" asked Jolteon, quickly. Miranda's other Pokemon huddled around her. Espeon lightly lifted her and the wheelchair, placing them properly on the ground.
"Yes, I'll be alright," said Miranda, rubbing her aching ears. "What was that!"
"Those weren't normal explosions," said Grannis, pulling Aria to her feet. "Those limos must have been filled with explosives. Maybe they were targeting the bridge?"
"I don't think we have time to think about that," said Aria, pointing at the fresh wave of RG coming at them. She grabbed a pokeball at the same time Grannis did. "Miranda, be careful."
"I'll be fine," she said with a grin, tossing out her remaining four Pokemon. "Let's go you guys!"
XxxxX
Cynthia watched as the two limos crashed into the building, however she was not prepared for the explosions that followed.
"Cynthia!" Cain said in alarm, catching her as she flinched back. "Are you alright?"
"Cain, the limo I was just in was completely destroyed," she said with wide eyes. She had just recently taken a nap in one of those limos. Seeing what had become of them made her shudder.
"Yes, they were decoys to draw attention, however I didn't think the Guardians would attack them so violently," he said, still keeping an arm around Cynthia's waist. Cynthia looked back at him and he blinked. Another face, almost identical to hers had just flashed in front of his eyes. He just stared, unable to say anything.
"Cain? Are you alright?" said Cynthia quickly. She touched his face lightly. "You look a little pale."
"It's nothing Cynthia, thank you," said Cain quickly. "I was struck with the thought of you being caught in that explosion and... well never mind. I'm glad it wasn't so." They resettled themselves on their ride, Cain's Salamance. It was dark enough now that they weren't easily spotted among the gray clouds in the sky. They would shortly be making their way into the castle, but Cain was waiting for one more thing. The headset suddenly crackled.
"Cain, it's me," said a male voice. "Are you there?"
"I'm here, my friend," he said, looking around. The sky was completely clear. Of course, when it came to Vince Korinek you could never be certain.
"I'm ready," said Korinek. "Where should I meet you?"
"Make your way to the throne room, I'll see you there," said Cain. The transmission cut out. "It's time Cynthia, are you ready? It's going to be dangerous."
"I'm ready, I want to end this conflict as soon as possible. For everyone," she added.
"Then hang on tight!"
XxxxX
8:20pm
Meanwhile, aboard a certain invisible ship, in a certain utility closet, a certain pair of people listened to what was going on just outside the door.
"We're finally here it seems," said a male voice.
"About time," said a woman. "I can't believe how many times we played that damn game. I'm never looking at another pack of cards for as long as I live."
"Hmm, it sounds like we're here," said Corey, standing carefully with a stretch. He looked at the still sitting woman opposite him. Who would have thought that the infamous Hunter J could be cute when she was asleep.
"Something to say?" she asked, her voice carrying that ever present hint of danger that so well matched her character. Corey quickly shook his head. "Then I say it's about time we left." Before Corey could do anything Nel got up and opened the closet door, pushing him out.
"What the- who the hell are you!" shouted one of the startled Hunters.
"Salamance, Flamethrower please," said Nel tossing the pokeball out almost as an afterthought. Corey watched her stretch grandly as her Pokemon torched half of the room, causing the panicked Hunters to run screaming. "Ready to go Corey?"
"Uhh yeah..." he said, watching the poor Hunters. "I think I can operate one of these doors open with-" but Nel just overrode him.
"Salamance Hyperbeam." The dragon Pokemon blasted a large hole in the side of the room, causing the air to rush forward and out of the opening furiously fast. Nel grabbed Corey and pulled him onto Salamances back. "Let's go!" They jumped through the hole to find themselves high over a town with a small lake next to it that had a large castle at its center. Corey looked back to see a strange sight. Though the sky was almost empty, there was a small square of metal with a large hole in it just hanging there. It looked like a hole to a different dimension or something.
"Any idea where we are?" asked Nel as they got lower to the town. Corey nodded.
"Yeah only one place I've ever heard of that looks like this," he said. "That's obviously the Tree of Beginning." He pointed to a giant tree shaped thing far away. "So this is definitely Rota. We're in Kanto, north of Pewter City."
"Pretty," said Nel, looking around. "I especially like the huge amounts of fire and destruction this place has. My kind of atmosphere."
"Can you not say thing's like that when I'm forced to hold on to you?" whined Corey. Nel just grinned and took them into a dive, taking them closer to the town. There was certainly a huge battle going on, though between who Nel couldn't tell. She told Salamance to get closer. As much more came into focus, she blinked. There in the center of the town was a fantastical light show of colorful attacks. And there, at the heart of that mess was a small figure. There was no way...
"Nel what are you doing?" shouted Corey as they accelerated towards the ground. "What about Korinek! Isn't he back on the ship?"
"Don't ask questions!" shouted Nel back. The small figure grew ever larger. The person was surrounded by a number of differently colored Pokemon and looked to be sitting in a chair. She didn't want to believe it but there was no doubt about it.
'Dammit what are you doing here?'
XxxxX
8:24pm
"Resonate with the lightning! Jolteon Thunderbolt!"
The empowered attack lashed out in several directions, tearing up cobblestone and forcing their opponents back for fear of being fried. Several Pokemon were instantly knocked out. Miranda moved her wheelchair back slowly. Though she could provide her Pokemon with added power to an extent, battling while confined to a wheelchair was causing her far more problems than she originally thought it would. Also, there were dozens of opponents and only three of them.
"This isn't looking good," said Grannis, recalling his fifth Pokemon. Most of his Pokemon were completely wiped from fighting all day. All he had left was one more. He threw it out regardless. "Primape, stay close!"
"Miranda, we should try to retreat a bit," said Aria. Her Pokemon, a Clefable and Ampharos had long been knocked out. Now she stood behind Miranda, looking around for a place they could back away to.
"No not yet we can-" but she was cut short as a blast of purple and blue flame shot down from the sky, forcing their opponents back. It looked oddly familiar. To their astonishment, a Salamance landed directly in front of them and two people jumped off.
"So direct, as always," said the young man, looking at the fire. Miranda recognized him as Corey, the guy from the hospital on Element. The other however...
"Nel!"
Miranda pushed her wheelchair forwards impulsively. What what Nel doing here? She turned to look at the girl sitting in the wheelchair.
"Hey Miranda, nice wheelchair." Nel bit the inside of her lip in frustration. Every time she tried saying something to this girl it always ended up coming out wrong. Her thoughts were cut short when Miranda grabbed her hand.
"I'm so glad you're okay," she said with a smile. "I was afraid you actually went to go fight the Hunter Corps." Nel looked into Miranda's eyes only for a second before looking away. The girl was fighting a battle in a wheelchair and she still thought about such things.
"Those guys are your enemies, right?" asked Nel, pointing at the Royal Guardians. They were recovering from the surprise attack and a few Pokemon were putting out the flames with water attacks.
"Yes, they-" but Nel cut her off, pulling her had out of Miranda's.
"That's all I needed to know."
Nel walked toward the RG, untying the metal briefcase from the back of her waist where she had secured it hours ago. The large group of them just watched her carefully, holding back their attack, unsure of what would happen as the lone person approached them. Even alone, Nel had an intimidating presence. Placing the briefcase on the ground Nel knelt and opened it. Corey could see that it held a number of variously colored Pokeballs. Choosing a gray one with blue colored bumps on it, Nel snapped the case back shut and tossed it behind her. Already expecting it, Corey caught it easily.
"You know," said Nel calmly. The sound of her voice made everyone realize just how quiet it had gotten. "The first time I tried to get this guy I was stopped by Ash and his friends, not to mention that meddling Brandon." She tossed the pokeball lightly up with her hand, all eyes drawn to it. "It was for a client, but he canceled so I left. Still, the encounter stuck with me. The first time something like that had ever happened. So I went back; covertly of course. Woke him up, captured him. I even put a fake crystal there to fool the people who maintained the ruins. Though I really couldn't do anything about the pillars," she added with a shrug. "Of course, he's probably still mad at me but I think we can come to an understanding for now." She tossed the pokeball out in front of her.
A massive Pokemon materialized in front of her, easily more than twice her size. The ground shook slightly as it took the Pokemon's full weight. It was white with black lines running in patterns across its body, as well as large yellow colored bands on its shoulders and wrists. A fuzzy green moss covered its feet and the tops of its shoulders. The huge Pokemon took a step back, turning slightly, the dark dots on its face flashing a deep red as it looked down at Nel. She smiled.
"Good evening, Regigigas."
XxxxX
8:30pm
Cynthia walked through the the castle with Cain silently. She could easily hear the sounds of battle coming from all around her but oddly enough everywhere they walked was peaceful.
"This way, Cynthia," said Cain, turning down a side passage that led to a staircase. "Stay close to me."
"Right," she said, quickening her pace slightly. "Where are we going?" she asked as they made their way down the stairs.
"Well like I was saying before, we need to find the Queen and force her to surrender," he replied, pausing at the next level and looking around before continuing down the stairs. "If we can get her to do that then this conflict will end right there. Though I can't be sure exactly where she is I assume she'd be closer to the throne room. That's where we're heading now." He looked back at Cynthia. "If she isn't there then we can use the throne room as a foothold."
"I just hope we can end the fighting," said Cynthia.
"I'll be counting on you, Princess," chuckled Cain.
"Oh stop that." They made it to the bottom of the staircase and worked their way further into the castle. The sounds of battling were much louder here. Two men burst through a nearby door, startling Cynthia who reached for a pokeball at once. Cain however put out a hand to stop her.
"Master Cain," said one of them in relief. Noticing who was with Cain he bowed immediately. His companion did as well. "Princess, I'm glad to see you are well."
"Thank you," said Cynthia, slightly taken aback. Cain stepped forward.
"It seems like we don't have time to talk," he said, grabbing a pokeball. A squad of Guardians was approaching them rapidly from the other end of the hall. "We're trying to get to the throne room, do you two know any quick ways to get there?"
"Actually we just came from near there," said the second man, also pulling out a pokeball. Don't worry about them, Master Cain, go through the doors here and keep going down the hall. You'll find the throne room."
"I'd be a pretty bad leader if I sacrificed my subordinates like this," said Cain. "I'll help you fend them off. Cynthia, you go ahead, I'll be there in a moment."
"Are you sure?" she asked. "I can battle too."
"Just defend yourself if you have to," he said shaking his head. "You're more than capable of making it the rest of the way. Go now." The two men charged forward to meet the Guardian squad, Cain walking calmly behind them. Cynthia took one last look at them before going through the door, closing it behind her. The hall she was now in was empty, but she still moved quickly down it, feeling nervous. How would she know when she was in the-
"Oh." Cynthia had just entered a grand room from the side. It had a super high ceiling and was carpeted down the center. To her right was a large wide staircase at the top of which sat a throne. She felt drawn to it. "They really want me to sit in this?" she mused, running her hand along the back of the seat.
"Who are you?"
Cynthia jumped and looked up. In the back corner of the room was someone she hadn't seen earlier. A middle aged woman wearing a dress much like her own only it was pure white. Her large wavy blond hair framed a pretty face. There was only one person this woman could be.
"You're the Queen?" asked Cynthia after a moment. Ilene moved forward, taking Cynthia in fully.
"You must be Cynthia," she said with a smile. "My name is Ilene. I'll admit you do look like royalty." Cynthia smoothed her dress lightly at the compliment but stopped herself quickly as if she had been tricked into doing it. Ilene just chuckled. "I was actually hoping I could meet with you," she continued. Upon reaching the throne, Cynthia took a few steps back, stopping at the top step. "You don't have to be afraid, I'm not going to attack you," said Ilene, and she sat in the throne making herself comfortable as if she did this sort of a thing all the time.
'She probably does do this kind of thing all the time,' thought Cynthia. "I've been wanting to meet you as well," she said aloud. "I was wondering what the leader if the Guardians would be like."
"It's too bad that we could only meet under such circumstances," said Ilene. "But that is now in the past. May I ask you a few questions?"
"Sure," said Cynthia, "if I may do the same."
"Of course." Ilene looked around the room but it was empty but for them. "What do you hope to gain by becoming Queen?"
"What do I hope to gain?" Cynthia repeated.
"Are you attracted by the power of the position?" asked Ilene. "I won't deny that the Guardians have an incredible amount of presence throughout the world. Does controlling that draw you?"
"No, not at all," said Cynthia quickly. Did this woman really thing she was power hungry? "I'm just trying to help fulfill the hopes of a group of people."
"That's admirable of you," said Ilene with a smile. "What's your relationship with Cain Bernhardt?"
"What does that have to do with anything?" said Cynthia quickly. She could feel heat rising in her face and inwardly cursed herself.
"According to Riley you think very highly of him," Ilene pressed. Though these questions seemed improper considering the situation they were actually getting her answers to much of what she didn't know about the Royal Guardians. In particular, anything about Cain. His motives were too suspect for one just trying to usurp a throne.
"Well of course I do. No one has ever been there for me like Cain has," said Cynthia. Ilene just hid her thoughts behind the mask of a smile.
"Do you like being Queen?" asked Cynthia, wanting to change the subject. The pleasant demeanor of Queen Ilene in the middle of this situation was completely throwing her off.
"It can be troublesome at times but I've come to love my position," said Ilene. "The people of the castle and this town, not to mention the Guardians have all had a hand in raising me and I'm happy to provide for them."
"So then why allow such a conflict to begin?" came a voice to the side of the room. Cain had finally arrived. He looked exactly the same as when Cynthia had left him a little while ago. Ilene however ignored him.
"Cynthia, please forgive me for saying this, but allow me to tell you why I am better suited to being Queen, despite all of our motivations and reasons. I lead. You are led." Cynthia bristled at the tone of the Queen's voice. She turned to face Cain who now stood beside Cynthia. "And what is your motivation behind this?"
"But of course, I work to re-seat the proper line of the monarchy," said Cain smoothly. Ilene just laughed.
"I had wondered if that was your goal, but after meeting Cynthia here I know that couldn't possibly be the case." Ilene leaned forward in her seat. "What are you truly up to Cain Bernhardt?" Cain grimaced. He turned to Cynthia, quickly raising a hand to her face. The air rippled around it. Cynthia collapsed immediately into Cain's arms. He gently laid her down at the top of the stairs. Ilene stood up in shock.
"What did you do to her?" she shot.
"Nothing permanent," he said straightening up once more. "It's just, this conversation really isn't something she should be hearing. There are those of us who exist to carry out the less pleasant sides of things. Cynthia is quite the innocent woman. I wouldn't want to taint that."
"So you are deceiving the girl?" asked Ilene sadly. "Have you no heart? Do you have any idea what she thinks of you?"
"How could I not?" said Cain with a shrug. "Cynthia's love for me is something that has been carefully cultivated over more years than you can imagine."
"That girl isn't some tool for you to use, nor is she a trophy for you to display," said Ilene coldly.
"Did I say that she was such?" he snapped. "You speak so haughtily for someone so defenseless," said Cain with a sneer, his hand moving to her throat. Ilene winced, but the pressure was light. "I do not think of Cynthia as a tool nor a trophy, but there is no doubt that she is mine. Now," he said, increasing the pressure on her throat, "surrender."
"I won't allow someone like you to control the Guar-" Cain squeezed harder, preventing Ilene from getting anything else out. Her hands went to his arm but he was far stronger than she was.
"Allow me to add some color to your outfit," said Cain, pulling a switchblade out of his pocket.
CRASH!
A large Pokemon burst through the high stained glass window at the bottom of the room. The Garchomp rocketed to the ground, slamming down hard enough to crack the floor. A man jumped down, looking up at the figures in front of the throne.
"Ilene!"
Cain turned his head to look at the newcomer. What was Riley Gen doing here? Did Nier fail? But he said he took care of them... Cain clenched his teeth. Nier! What was he playing at?
"Riley Gen, nice of you to join us finally though I am sorry to say you're just a tad bit late." He turned fully, tossing something down the stairs. "Here, you can have your queen back." Riley watched horrified as Ilene crashed down the stairs, rolling to a stop a dozen feet in front of him.
"Ilene!" he shouted again, running to her side. There upon the pure white dress a crimson flower was blooming at her middle. His hands instantly pressed up against the center of the wound. "Cain you bastard! I'LL KILL YOU! GARCHOMP!" Infused by Riley's rage Leon's Garchomp raised its head and shot a massive red and yellow ball at Cain. He just grinned, a hand moving to his back. The explosion from the attack completely obscured everyone's view, though when the smoke cleared Garchomp, Riley, and Ilene were all gone.
"Must have run away," said Cain, rubbing his neck. "Nice block, Marrok." His Lucario nodded stiffly, standing on the stairs with his arms crossed. "Of course, at this stage I doubt anyone can harm us." He looked down at Cynthia, who was still unconscious though unharmed from the blast. "Time to put you where you belong."
XxxxX
Riley quickly and tightly bound Ilene's wound with the bottom of her dress. The bleeding was not stopping but at least he had slowed it down. Garchomp stood over them, making sure that they weren't caught off guard. While the throne room seemed to be ignored by much of the battle, it was still going on everywhere else.
"Hang in there, Ilene, I'll get you to help soon," said Riley, gritting his teeth in anger. Cain would pay for what he did. Ilene coughed and winced.
"Ri-ley?" she said weakly.
"I'm here Ilene! I made it back!"
"Thank god," she said, her lips turning up at the ends slightly.
"Don't talk I need to get you to a doctor," said Riley quickly, gently lifting her.
"Take me... to the war room..." she forced out, eyes shut tight in pain. "Medic...station..." she passed out against his chest.
"Got it," said Riley, moving as fast as he could. "Let's go Garchomp!"